The Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Blockade upon Gastric Acid Secretion and Gastrin Secretion during Hypoglycaemia before and after Vagotomy

Abstract

Kronborg, O., Pedersen, T., Stadil, F. & Rehfeld, J. F. I he effect of beta-adrenergic blockade upon gastric acid secretion and gastrin secretion during hypoglycaemia before and after vagotomy. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 173-176.

In 29 patients the effect of propanolol on gastric acid and serum gastrin response was investigated in a double-blind trial. Placebo tablets or 20 mg of propanolol were given two hours before insulin tests, separated by an interval of one or two days. Serum gastrin concentrations were suppressed in a fasting state and during hypoglycaemia in ulcer patients before and alter vagotomy. Fasting acidity was suppressed only in vagotomized patients; insulin-activated acidity was reduced in both groups. Depression of gastrin levels by propanolol occurred 15 to 45 minutes before the depression of gastric acidity. It is suggested that the effects of propanolol are due to inhibition of adrenergic gastrin release.

Key-words::

• Beta-blockade
• duodenal ulcer
• gastric acid
• gastrin
• insulin test
• propanolol
• vagotomy